Luke Bryan Has Lengthy History With CMT Music Awards

It’s hard to believe, but there was a time when Luke Bryan was just another fan sitting in the audience at the CMT Music Awards. And he loved it.

“Even back before I was even signed to Capitol, I came to some CMT Awards, and I remember being energized by them,” he said during rehearsals for the 2016 CMT Music Awards airing live Wednesday (June 8) at 8 p.m. from Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena. “They’re a fun night.”

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Bryan learned Wednesday morning that his recent hit, “Strip It Down,” is among the finalists for video of the year, but he’ll be performing his latest single, “Huntin’, Fishin’ and Lovin’ Every Day,” at this year’s CMT Music Awards.

“The video’s been amazing for me, kind of embodying what a big part of my life is about — the outdoors and my family,” he said of his current Top 5 hit.

“It’s going to be a fun energy,” he added. “It is kind of a more subtle moment for me on TV. Most of the time, I am hopping around and dancing and boogie-woogie-ing. You always like to give people a little different look. You don’t want to do the same thing every time, or you’ll be a little too predictable.”

Now that’s he’s made it from the audience to the stage, he’s still looking forward to the CMT Music Awards.

“I like the looseness of it,” he said. “It’s a party.

“You can tell all the fans are in town for the CMA Music Fest. And then you put all those fans in this building with all the biggest stars in country, the energy’s in the room.”